Attwood Responds to Fracking
15 April 2013

Attwood responds to London government announcement to allow fracking to recommence

Environment Minister
Alex Attwood today commented on the announcement by the London government that
they are to allow hydraulic fracturing to recommence.

Alex Attwood said: “I
note the further position of the London government. However, I want to confirm
that decisions on fracking in Northern Ireland are strictly for the Northern
Ireland government. In particular, I have warned against a head long rush in to
fracking and I repeat that today.“

“The planning and
environment issues around any energy proposal fall to the Department of
Environment (DOE). Those responsibilities will be robustly and faithfully
honoured on any proposal for fracking. I will make sure that this applies to
any action or proposal by Tamboran.“

“There has been no
planning application lodged to date. If one is forthcoming, it may be judged to
be an Article 31, to be decided by the DOE minister. This has happened with
other energy applications. Further, in the fullness of time, it may be decided
that there should be a public inquiry. This has also happened with other energy
applications.“

“There is of course a
wider and more fundamental issue. That is the question as to how safe is
fracking. The science on this is still developing. Research is continuing in
Europe, in America and on this island. It will be some time before that
research is concluded. This is one of the crucial pieces that needs to be
assessed when looking at the fracking picture.“

It is also of
note that separately today a main adviser to the London and devolved
governments – the Committee on Climate Change –advised that efforts should be
concentrated on renewables in the future. I agree. Renewables is arguably
Ireland’s biggest economic opportunity – electricity self sufficiency, net
energy exporters, research and development jobs, engineering and manufacturing
growth. We need to fully embrace this.”